The UK government has launched a consultation on proposed changes to Contracts for Difference auctions from next year’s Allocation Round 8.
London is seeking views on potential amendments including the retention of a temporary restriction introduced earlier this year to prevent developers removing capacity from CfD deals to re-bid into the in-progress AR7.
Energy department DESNZ has also proposed establishing a new technology category called Other Deepwater Offshore Wind to bring in new hybrid substructure concepts that do not fit into existing definitions for fixed-bottom or floating wind designs.
Officials are also mulling whether to exclude applications from projects with Gate 1 connection offers from future rounds.
Longstop periods could also be extended and required installed capacity thresholds reduced for floating wind projects as well as other minor technical changes made to contract terms.
“We’re seeking views on several refinements to ensure that the CfD continues to reflect current policy and that the scheme continues to function as originally intended,” said DESNZ.
“Together, these reforms are designed to maintain investor confidence, support timely delivery of renewable capacity and ensure the CfD remains fit for purpose as projects scale up in size and complexity.”
The consultation will close on 30 January 2026.